Why Golden Spike? Because North Platte, Nebraska is where east meets west on Union Pacific's rail line-just as east met west in Promontory Summit, Utah, when the Transcontinental Railroad was built. Both Union Pacific and Central Pacific building from Omaha, Nebraska, and Sacramento, California, respectively met and drove the golden spike to open up the west.
The idea of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center was first conceived in the mid-1990s as Union Pacific's viewing platform was falling into disrepair. Community leaders thought it a good idea to erect a tower that would allow visitors to get a birds-eye view of Bailey Yard. The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center opened on June 26, 2008.
The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center features a courtyard proudly flying the 23 flags representing each state Union Pacific Railroad serves. The Memorial Brick Pavilion honors members of our community, employees of Union Pacific and others with commemorative bricks embossed with the name of the person for which the brick was purchased.
On the grounds of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is a vintage dining car currently being renovated. When completed, the car will take you back to the romance of passenger trains with both the look and feel of a real railroad dining car with all the amenities.
Truly a once in a lifetime experience: The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center-more trains than you can keep track of!